Monday, 18 August 2025

1 Kings 22 (résumé): Ahab's Death

King Ahaz (Israel) made an alliance with King Jehoshaphat (Judah) so as to unite in retaking from the Arameans Ramoth Gilead, so they decided to consult the Lord about the matter. 400 prophets were consulted and they were unanimous in giving the green light for the venture, but it was a case of "prophesying" what the kings wanted to hear rather than hearing what God had to say. However they yet decided to consult the prophet Micaiah who had a more independent stance. Initially he sarcastically he repeated the position of the 400 prophets, but when pressed he countered their stance and even forecasts Ahab's death ending a 22-year reign. So Jehoshaphat and Ahab went to battle but Ahab disguised himself, as he surely feared the fulfillment of the prophecy, but he was shot and killed by a random arrow showing that God is not fooled by our disguises and that God's justice will catch up with us sooner or later, as Ahab had been the worst possible king. 

As to Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah he did what was right before God, he got rid of the male shrine prostitutes, but he didn't remove the high places so came short there. He built a fleet of trading ships but these ended up as wrecks. After his death his son Jehoram succeeded him and Ahaziah succeeded Ahaz. 

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